Following the rapid spread of Covid-19 and its devastating impact in many countries of the world, a staunch member of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Theodore Ekechi, has advised the Federal Government to shutdown the country for the next 40 days.
He gave the advice at a media briefing in Abuja, weekend.
According to him, his advice is premised on the fact that Nigeria does not have the capacity to confront the Coronavirus if its spreads in the country.
“As a concerned, patriotic citizen and a statesman who is full of praises for the Federal Government’s commitment and proactive responses to this subject matter so far, I most humbly wish to advise, very strongly that the Federal Government urgently take further bold, courageous but painful steps for an initial period of 40 days so as to avert an impending national catastrophe premised on the coronavirus imminent outbreak to wit:
“Shutdown all schools – primary to tertiary – including the NYSC and advice state governments to follow suit
“Ban all Public Gatherings of 50 people and above including Church and Mosque worships, crusades, Rallies of all kinds, Birthday parties, Burials, etc.
“Ban all non-essential government sponsored activities like Seminars, Workshops, external trips, etc.
“Commence immediately, trainings and mobilisation of all military and Para-Military formations across the country for Emergency Response activation.
“Activate a total review of the 2020 Budget with a view to removing or reducing provisions for all NON-ESSENTIAL projects and advise state governments to follow suit.
“Effect stiffer, uncompromising controls at all borders and ports of entry.
“As a matter of fact, let us “shut down” or “postpone” part of Nigeria for forty days to guarantee our future survival than maintaining the present attitude only to grieve ad infinitum.
“The survival measure will be reviewed periodically as the world battles the challenge of the virus.
“As it is said, a stitch in time saves nine. A cursory look at what is happening in China and Italy reveals that thousands of people have died of coronavirus and based on our way of life, the disease has the capacity to wipe out Nigeria in a few months if drastic preemptive measures are not put in place. This appeal is not prophetic but logically empirical.”
